Full-flow tree addition

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and associated methods relate to an artificial tree including a trunk with first tree branches extending from the trunk to above the floor, a base configured with apertures adapted to retain second tree branches extending from the base and covering the space between the floor and the first branches, and a light source configured to illuminate the first and second branches. In an illustrative example, the apertures may be tubes configured for fiber optics. The light source may be, for example, fiber optics illuminating branches inserted in the tubes, permitting full-flow appearance branches to spread out, covering the base. Some examples may employ additional illumination sources configured in the base below the apertures to shine through a color wheel offset from the trunk center.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments relate generally to artificial trees.

BACKGROUND

Artificial trees are trees that are not products of nature. Artificialtrees are products of human construction activity. Some artificial treesmay be displayed for decorative purposes. Some artificial trees may bedisplayed as decorations during special occasions or holidays. Forexample, an artificial tree constructed to have an appearance similar toa natural Christmas tree may be displayed with Christmas holidaydecoration. Artificial trees may be designed to have an appearancesimilar to a natural tree, including, for example, a vertical centraltrunk, and branches extending substantially horizontally from the trunk.

Some artificial trees may be supported by a base retaining theartificial tree trunk. In various examples, an artificial tree base mayinclude tree components such as, for example, a light source or a powersupply. In an illustrative example, an artificial tree base may bevisible to tree viewers. In some scenarios, an artificial tree base thatis visible beneath the branches extending from the artificial tree trunkmay disrupt the visual aesthetics of a decorative scene and degrade atree viewer's experience.

In various examples, artificial trees may be illuminated. Someartificial trees may be illuminated by a light source retained in thebase of the artificial tree. In various examples, an artificial tree maybe illuminated by fiber optic tubes extending to the branches from alight source in the base. In some scenarios, artificial treesilluminated by fiber optic tubes may employ LED light sources. Someartificial tree LED light sources may be configured to emit multiplecolors of visible light. Some artificial trees include a light sourceconfigured in the base to shine light through a color wheel includingtranslucent sections of different colors. In various examples, anartificial tree configured with a color wheel may rotate the color wheelto change the color of the artificial tree lighting.

SUMMARY

Apparatus and associated methods relate to an artificial tree includinga trunk with first tree branches extending from the top of the trunk toabove the floor, a base configured with apertures adapted to retainsecond tree branches extending from the base and covering the spacebetween the floor and the first branches, and a light source configuredto illuminate the first and second branches. In an illustrative example,the apertures may be tubes configured for fiber optics. The light sourcemay be, for example, fiber optics illuminating branches inserted in thetubes, permitting full-flow appearance branches to spread out, coveringthe base. Some examples may employ additional illumination sourcesconfigured in the base below the apertures to shine through a colorwheel offset from the trunk center. Various examples may advantageouslyprovide a brighter tree, based on added light sources illuminating moreoptical fibers below more color wheel area.

Various embodiments may achieve one or more advantages. For example,some embodiments may improve a user's visual enjoyment of an artificialtree. This facilitation may be a result of reducing the visibility ofthe tree base to an artificial tree user. In some embodiments, thevisual appeal of an artificial tree may be improved. Such improvedartificial tree visual appeal may be a result of spreading out branchesto cover the base and covering the space from the tree branches downclose to the floor. Some embodiments may increase the brightness of anartificial tree's illumination. Such increased illuminated artificialtree brightness may be a result of additional illumination sourcespositioned below an artificial tree's color wheel.

In an illustrative example, various embodiments may include additionalillumination sources configured to shine through previously unused areasof an artificial tree's color wheel. This facilitation may be a resultof added fiber optic tube openings configured in the base, permittingadditional light sources to be positioned below the added fiber optictube openings in the base. Some embodiments may provide a more stableartificial tree. Such improved artificial tree stability may be a resultof supports that hold the additional fiber optics and additionalbranches in the openings configured in the base. In some embodiments, anartificial tree's weight may be more evenly distributed. Such improvedartificial tree weight distribution may be a result of supportingadditional branches and optical fibers in the base to prevent the addedoff-center load from pulling the optical fibers out of the openingsincluded in the base.

The details of various embodiments are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features and advantages willbe apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary artificial tree including a trunk with firsttree branches extending from the top of the trunk to above the floor, abase configured with apertures adapted to retain second tree branchesextending from the base and covering the space between the floor and thefirst branches, and a light source configured to illuminate the firstand second branches.

FIG. 2 depicts a side perspective view of an exemplary fiber optic baseconfigured with apertures adapted to retain fiber optic tubes andbranches in a base design including a color wheel.

FIG. 3 depicts a top view of an exemplary fiber optic base configuredwith apertures adapted to retain fiber optic tubes and branches in abase design including a color wheel.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of an exemplary fiber optic baseconfigured with a color wheel.

FIGS. 5A-5C depict various perspective views of an exemplary fiber opticbundle support design.

FIG. 6 depicts a top view of an exemplary fiber optic base configuredwith apertures adapted to retain fiber optic bundles exiting theapertures.

FIG. 7 depicts a side perspective view of an exemplary fiber optic baseconfigured with apertures adapted to retain fiber optic tubes andbranches in an electronic base design adjusted for a configurationwithout a color wheel.

FIG. 8 depicts a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary fiber opticbase configured without a color wheel.

FIG. 9 depicts a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary artificialtree configured with a base adapted with added tree branch support.

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary tree stand branchsupport configured with slots adapted to fit over the stand arms.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

To aid understanding, this document is organized as follows. First,illustrative designs of exemplary artificial trees including a baseconfigured with openings configured to retain tree branches extendingfrom the base and filling the space between the floor and the treebranches are briefly introduced with reference to FIG. 1. Second, withreference to FIGS. 2-7, the discussion turns to exemplary embodimentsillustrating design of artificial trees including a color wheel.Specifically, embodiment fiber optic base and fiber optic bundle supportdesigns for artificial trees employing a color wheel are disclosed.Finally, with reference to FIGS. 8-10, illustrative base designs ofexemplary artificial trees without a color wheel are described.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary artificial tree including a trunk with firsttree branches extending from the top of the trunk to above the floor, abase configured with apertures adapted to retain second tree branchesextending from the base and covering the space between the floor and thefirst branches, and a light source configured to illuminate the firstand second branches. In FIG. 1, the artificial tree 105 includes firstbranches 110 configured with fiber optics 115 adapted to illuminate theartificial tree 105. In the depicted embodiment, the first branches 110are retained by and extend from the trunk 120. In the illustratedembodiment, the artificial tree 105 also includes the main LED lights125 configured in the first branches 110 extending from the trunk 120.In the depicted embodiment, the artificial tree 105 trunk 120 issupported by the base 130 resting on a floor. In the depictedembodiment, the artificial tree 105 includes the add-on second branches135 retained by and extending from the fiber optic base 130. In theillustrated embodiment the small add-on second branches 135 extend fromthe fiber optic base 130 to cover the fiber optic base 130 near thefloor, providing the artificial tree 105 with a full-flow branchappearance. In the depicted embodiment, the add-on second branches 135are configured with the add-on LED lights 140 adapted to illuminate theadd-on second branches 135 in the illustrated artificial tree 105full-flow mode. In the illustrated embodiment, the small LED fiber opticbundles 145 extend from the fiber optic base 130 to illuminate thesecond branches 135 configured in the depicted artificial tree 105full-flow add-on mode. Various embodiments may include a “Full-flow” ofadded Fiber Optics and Branches that may be added to a Fiber Optic treecovering the fiber optic base 130.

FIG. 2 depicts a side perspective view of an exemplary fiber optic baseconfigured with apertures adapted to retain fiber optic tubes andbranches in a base design including a color wheel. In FIG. 2, thedepicted embodiment full-flow fiber optic base 130 includes the fiberoptic tubes 205 configured as apertures opening through the fiber optictop 210. The illustrated embodiment full-flow fiber optic base 130includes the color wheel 215 configured to change the color of lightilluminating a tree supported by the fiber optic base 130. In thedepicted embodiment, the illustrated fiber optic base 130 fiber optictubes 205 include support notches 220 configured to support fiber opticbundles extending through the fiber optic tubes 205. The illustratedembodiment fiber optic base 130 includes the fiber optic tree trunk tube225 configured with an aperture to extend fiber optic bundles from thefiber optic base 130 to illuminate branches of a tree supported by thefiber optic base 130. The depicted embodiment fiber optic base 130 LEDreflector 230 is configured to reflect light from the LED light 235through the fiber optic tube 205. The illustrated embodiment fiber opticbase 130 small LED reflector 240 is configured to reflect light from thesmall LED light 245 through the fiber optic tube 205. Variousembodiments may include a fiber optic base 130 with 3 smaller openings(tubes) with LED's/Lights below the color wheel and a supporting notchfor the smaller fiber optic bundles that may be added. In someembodiments, illumination below the color wheel may be provided by LED.In an illustrative example, various embodiment implementations mayprovide illumination below the color wheel with an LED or other lightbulb types. For example, in various embodiments, the illumination belowthe color wheel may be provided by Halogen light bulbs, or other lightbulb type, configured to illuminate the optical fibers for the trunkbranches.

FIG. 3 depicts a top view of an exemplary fiber optic base configuredwith apertures adapted to retain fiber optic tubes and branches in abase design including a color wheel. In FIG. 3, the depicted embodimentfiber optic base 130 includes the motor shaft 305 configured to rotatethe color wheel 215 to change the color of light illuminating a treesupported by the fiber optic base 130. In the illustrated embodiment,the fiber optic top 210 is secured to the fiber optic base 130 by thesecuring screw 310. The illustrated embodiment fiber optic base 130includes the fiber optic tubes 205 configured with apertures openingthrough the fiber optic top 210. In the depicted embodiment, theillustrated fiber optic base 130 fiber optic tubes 205 include supportnotches 220 configured to support fiber optic bundles extending throughthe fiber optic tubes 205. The illustrated embodiment fiber optic base130 includes the fiber optic tree trunk tube 225 configured with anaperture to extend fiber optic bundles from the fiber optic base 130 toilluminate branches of a tree supported by the fiber optic base 130. Inthe depicted embodiment, the fiber optic tree trunk tube 225 includesthe LED lens reflector 315 configured to reflect light from the LEDlight 320 through the fiber optic tree trunk tube 225. The illustratedembodiment fiber optic base 130 small lens reflector 325 is configuredto reflect light from the small LED light 330 through the fiber optictube 205. Various embodiments may include a fiber optic base with 3smaller openings (tubes) with LED's/Lights below the color wheel and asupporting notch for the smaller fiber optic bundles that may be added.In some embodiments, illumination below the color wheel may be providedby LED. In an illustrative example, various embodiment implementationsmay provide illumination below the color wheel with an LED or otherlight bulb types. For example, in various embodiments, the illuminationbelow the color wheel may be provided by Halogen light bulbs, or otherlight bulb type, configured to illuminate the optical fibers for thetrunk branches.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of an exemplary fiber optic baseconfigured with a color wheel. In FIG. 4, the depicted embodiment fiberoptic base 130 supports the artificial tree trunk 120 retaining thefirst branches 110 and the fiber optics 115 adapted to illuminate thefirst branches 110 retained by and extending from the trunk 120. In theillustrated embodiment, the fiber optic base 130 includes the fiberoptic supports 405 adapted to mechanically support the fiber optics 115extending from the fiber optic tube 205 and the fiber optic tree trunktube 225 through the fiber optic top 210. In the depicted embodiment,the color wheel 215 is rotatably engaged with the motor shaft 305 tochange the color of light illuminating a tree supported by the fiberoptic base 130. The illustrated embodiment fiber optic base 130 LEDreflectors 230 are configured to reflect light from the LED lights 235through the fiber optic tube 205 and the fiber optic tree trunk tube 225to illuminate via the fiber optics 115 the first branches 110 retainedby and extending from the trunk 120 and the add-on second branches 135retained by and extending from the fiber optic base 130. In the depictedembodiment, the add-on LED lights 140 are configured to illuminate theadd-on second branches 135 extending from the fiber optic base 130through the fiber optic tube 205. In the illustrated embodiment, thefiber optics 115 configured in the add-on second branches 135 aremechanically retained with the add-on second branches 135 to the fiberoptic base 130 body 410 by the securing strap 415. In the illustratedembodiment, the add-on second branches 135 include the connector to treeLED light strings 420 to operably couple the add-on branches with LEDlight strings arranged in the main tree. In various examples, anembodiment fiber optic base may retain a fiber optic tree in the centertube with a color wheel and illuminating LED light, with an added smallfiber optic bundle with branches in the smaller tube, above the unusedpart of the color wheel and LED illuminating upward, with a support withsecuring strap and LED lights and leads to a connector to connect totree LEDs. In some embodiments, illumination below the color wheel maybe provided by LED. In an illustrative example, various embodimentimplementations may provide illumination below the color wheel with anLED or other light bulb types. For example, in various embodiments, theillumination below the color wheel may be provided by Halogen lightbulbs, or other light bulb type, configured to illuminate the opticalfibers for the trunk branches.

FIGS. 5A-5C depict various perspective views of an exemplary fiber opticbundle support design.

FIG. 5A depicts a top view of an exemplary fiber optic bundle support.In FIG. 5A, the exemplary fiber optic bundle support 405 includes thesecuring strap holes 505 configured along the branch support 510 uppersurface.

FIG. 5B depicts a side view of an exemplary fiber optic bundle support.In FIG. 5B, the exemplary fiber optic bundle support 405 includes thesecuring strap holes 505 configured along the branch support 510 uppersurface. The depicted embodiment fiber optic bundle support 405 includesthe branch weight support 515. In the illustrated embodiment, the fiberoptic bundle support 405 includes the tube insertion top 520 configuredat the upper end of the support tube 525.

FIG. 5C depicts a bottom view of an exemplary fiber optic bundlesupport. In FIG. 5C, the exemplary fiber optic bundle support 405includes the securing strap holes 505 configured in the branch weightsupport 515 lower surface. In the depicted embodiment, the fiber opticbundle support 405 includes the tube insertion top 520 lower surfaceconfigured in the support tube 525 upper end.

FIG. 6 depicts a top view of an exemplary fiber optic base configuredwith apertures adapted to retain fiber optic bundles exiting theapertures. In FIG. 6, the illustrated embodiment fiber optic base 130includes the fiber optics 115 and the add-on full-flow branches 135extending through the fiber optic top 210 via the fiber optic tubes 205.In the depicted embodiment, the fiber optic tree trunk tube 225 isillustrated in an open unconfigured mode without fiber optics extendingfrom the fiber optic tree trunk tube 225 aperture. In the illustratedembodiment, the fiber optics 115 and the add-on full-flow branches 135are retained by the fiber optic bundle support 405 and securing strap415. In the depicted embodiment, the securing screws 310 mechanicallyengage the fiber optic top 210 with the fiber optic base 130. Variousembodiment fiber optic base designs may include three individual smallfiber optic bundles and branches exiting their openings.

FIG. 7 depicts a side perspective view of an exemplary fiber optic baseconfigured with apertures adapted to retain fiber optic tubes andbranches in an electronic base design adjusted for a configurationwithout a color wheel. In FIG. 7, the embodiment full-flow fiber opticbase 130 includes the fiber optic tube 205 and fiber optic tree trunktube 225 apertures configured in the fiber optic top 210 to permit fiberoptic bundles to be retained by and extend from the full-flow fiberoptic base 130. In the illustrated embodiment, each fiber optic tube 205includes support notch 220 adapted to mechanically support a fiber opticbundle extending from the full-flow fiber optic base 130 via any fiberoptic tube 205 aperture configured in the fiber optic top 210. Thedepicted embodiment fiber optic base 130 LED reflector 230 is configuredto reflect light from the LED light 235 through the fiber optic tube205. The illustrated embodiment fiber optic base 130 small LED reflector240 is configured to reflect light from the small LED light 245 throughthe fiber optic tube 205. The illustrated embodiment full-flow fiberoptic base 130 includes the color wheel 215 configured to change thecolor of light illuminating a tree retained by the fiber optic base 130.In the depicted embodiment, the full-flow fiber optic base 130 includesthe LED leads 705 operably coupling each LED light 235 and small LEDlight 245 with electrical control 710. Various embodiment fiber opticdesigns may be configured without a color wheel, with multiple smalleropenings with multicolor changing LEDs below the openings to illuminateadded “Full Flow” bundles and branches.

FIG. 8 depicts a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary fiber opticbase configured without a color wheel. In FIG. 8, the exemplaryfull-flow fiber optic wreath-style all-electronic addon 805 includes thefiber optic base 130 configured with fiber optics 115 extending throughthe fiber optic tube 205 and fiber optic tree trunk tube 225 apertures.In the depicted embodiment, the trunk 120 is retained by the fiber optictree trunk tube 225 aperture. In the illustrated embodiment, the firstbranches 110 extend from the trunk 120. In the depicted embodiment, thefirst branches 110 are configured with fiber optics 115. In theillustrated embodiment, the add-on second branches 135 extend from thefiber optic base 130 through the fiber optic tube 205 apertures to coverthe fiber optic base 130 near the floor. The depicted embodimentfull-flow fiber optic wreath-style all-electronic addon 805 alsoincludes the wreath-style structure configured in the fiber optic base130. In the illustrated embodiment, the fiber optic base 130 includesthe multicolor changing LED lights 125 configured to illuminate thefirst branches 110. In the depicted embodiment, the fiber optic base 130also includes the small multicolor changing LED lights 140 configured toilluminate the second branches 135. Various embodiment fiber optic basedesigns may have a color wheel but have multiple added smaller openingsand multicolor LEDs to illuminate added fiber optic bundles andbranches.

FIG. 9 depicts a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary artificialtree configured with a base adapted with added tree branch support. InFIG. 9, the exemplary artificial tree 905 includes the branches 110extending from the tree pole 910 retained in the tree stand 915 by thetree to stand securing bolts 920. In the depicted embodiment, the treestand 915 includes the full-flow added branch support 925 configured tofit over the tree stand 915 to support the branches 135 extending fromthe tree stand 915. In the illustrated embodiment, the artificial tree905 incudes the branch support 930 configured with the tree pole 910 andthe tree stand 915. The depicted embodiment artificial tree 905 includesthe connectors 935 adapted to operably couple the multicolor changingLED light emitters 125 configured in the branches 110 with powersupplied to the branches 135. In the illustrated embodiment, thebranches 135 are configured with the multicolor changing LED lightemitters 140 operably coupled with power through the tree pole 910 bythe light/LED wiring 940. Various embodiment artificial tree designs mayinclude a tree stand mount providing added tree branch support with itsbranches and LED/lights and interconnection to the tree wiring.

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary tree stand branchsupport configured with slots adapted to fit over the stand arms. InFIG. 10, the branch support 930 includes the reinforcing ring 1005mechanically supporting the tree branch securing arms 1010 configured toretain artificial tree branches. The depicted embodiment branch support930 is configured for secure retention in a tree stand by the tree standsecuring bolt holes 1015 and the tree stand slots 1020. Variousembodiment tree stand designs may include branch support mounts withslots to fit over the tree stand arms and holes for the bolts securingthe tree stand to the tree.

Although various embodiments have been described with reference to theFigures, other embodiments are possible. For example, in variousscenarios exemplary of prior art Christmas trees, fiber Optic andstandard artificial trees often do not have branches that reach thefloor, leaving a gap from the branches to the floor and exposing thestand, or more particularly, the base, of a fiber Optic tree.Additionally, some prior art fiber Optic trees utilize a color wheel tocause the colors in the fibers to change, however the color wheel may beoffset, because the fiber optic tree trunk is in the center of the baseand the light that shines up thru the color wheel is also directly belowthe trunk. In an example illustrative of some prior art trees, such anoffset color wheel may have significant unused area that could beutilized to illuminate more optical fibers, if there were added lightsources below more of the color wheel. In some examples illustrative ofprior art artificial tree designs, the space from the tree's lowerbranches to the floor may be exposed, showing the tree stand; often“tree skirts” are added to cover up the unsightly tree stand.

Various embodiments of the present invention correct each of theaforementioned deficiencies. First, in some embodiment Fiber Optic treeimplementations, the base is modified with 3 or more added openings(tubes) for fiber optics, with branches to be inserted and spread out tocover the base and filling up the space from the tree branches downclose to the floor. In various embodiment designs, illumination sourcesare added below the openings, shining thru the areas of the color wheelthat may have been unused by prior art implementations. Some embodimentsinclude supports configured to hold the fiber optics and additionalbranches in the tubes, to support the branches and optical fibers firm,and prevent the added off-center load from pulling out of the openings(tubes). Some embodiments of the present invention provide an extra rowof branches mounted on the tree stand to cover up that space from thetree's lower branches to the floor, providing for a “Full flow” treeappearance. In various embodiment implementations, lights and LEDs mayalso be configured in the added branches and interconnected with aconnector to the tree's lights and LEDs. In an illustrative example, forthose Fiber Optic trees that use Multiple Color LEDs to illuminate thefiber Optics of the tree thru the trunk, added openings around the topof the base may also have smaller fiber optic bundles and multicolorLEDs below them to illuminate the added fiber Optic bundles that hangover the sides of the base to fill the distance from the tree fiberoptics close to the floor, giving the appearance of a “Full Flowing”fiber optic tree.

In the Summary above and in this Detailed Description, and the Claimsbelow, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particularfeatures of various embodiments of the invention. It is to be understoodthat the disclosure of embodiments of the invention in thisspecification includes all possible combinations of such particularfeatures. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in thecontext of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or aparticular claim, that feature can also be used—to the extentpossible—in combination with and/or in the context of other particularaspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the inventiongenerally.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of thepresent invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis detailed description. The invention is capable of myriadmodifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from thespirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings anddescriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and notrestrictive.

It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are notnecessarily drawn to scale and features of one embodiment may beemployed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize,even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-knowncomponents and processing techniques may be omitted so as to notunnecessarily obscure the embodiments.

In the present disclosure, various features may be described as beingoptional, for example, through the use of the verb “may;”, or, throughthe use of any of the phrases: “in some embodiments,” “in someimplementations,” “in some designs,” “in various embodiments,” “invarious implementations,”, “in various designs,” “in an illustrativeexample,” or “for example;” or, through the use of parentheses. For thesake of brevity and legibility, the present disclosure does notexplicitly recite each and every permutation that may be obtained bychoosing from the set of optional features. However, the presentdisclosure is to be interpreted as explicitly disclosing all suchpermutations. For example, a system described as having three optionalfeatures may be embodied in seven different ways, namely with just oneof the three possible features, with any two of the three possiblefeatures or with all three of the three possible features.

In various embodiments. elements described herein as coupled orconnected may have an effectual relationship realizable by a directconnection or indirectly with one or more other intervening elements.

In the present disclosure, the term “any” may be understood asdesignating any number of the respective elements, i.e. as designatingone, at least one, at least two, each or all of the respective elements.Similarly, the term “any” may be understood as designating anycollection(s) of the respective elements, i.e. as designating one ormore collections of the respective elements, a collection comprisingone, at least one, at least two, each or all of the respective elements.The respective collections need not comprise the same number ofelements.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been disclosedand described in detail herein, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art that various changes may be made to the configuration, operationand form of the invention without departing from the spirit and scopethereof. In particular, it is noted that the respective features ofembodiments of the invention, even those disclosed solely in combinationwith other features of embodiments of the invention, may be combined inany configuration excepting those readily apparent to the person skilledin the art as nonsensical. Likewise, use of the singular and plural issolely for the sake of illustration and is not to be interpreted aslimiting.

In the present disclosure, all embodiments where “comprising” is usedmay have as alternatives “consisting essentially of,” or “consisting of”In the present disclosure, any method or apparatus embodiment may bedevoid of one or more process steps or components. In the presentdisclosure, embodiments employing negative limitations are expresslydisclosed and considered a part of this disclosure.

Certain terminology and derivations thereof may be used in the presentdisclosure for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting.For example, words such as “upward,” “downward,” “left,” and “right”would refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is madeunless otherwise stated. Similarly, words such as “inward” and “outward”would refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, thegeometric center of a device or area and designated parts thereof.References in the singular tense include the plural, and vice versa,except where otherwise noted, or where the context excludes thatpossibility.

The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used hereinto mean that other components, ingredients, steps, among others, areoptionally present. For example, an embodiment “comprising” (or “whichcomprises”) components A, B and C can consist of (i.e., contain only)components A, B and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and Cbut also contain one or more other components.

Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or moredefined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order orsimultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), andthe method can include one or more other steps which are carried outbefore any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, orafter all the defined steps (except where the context excludes thatpossibility).

The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote thestart of a range beginning with that number (which may be a range havingan upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable beingdefined). For example, “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “atmost” followed by a number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as itslower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon thevariable being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. When, in thisspecification, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a secondnumber)” or “(a first number)—(a second number),” this means a rangewhose limit is the second number. For example, 25 to 100 mm means arange whose lower limit is 25 mm and upper limit is 100 mm.

Many suitable methods and corresponding materials to make each of theindividual parts of embodiment apparatus are known in the art. Accordingto an embodiment of the present invention, one or more of the parts maybe formed by machining, 3D printing (also known as “additive”manufacturing), CNC machined parts (also known as “subtractive”manufacturing), and injection molding, as will be apparent to a personof ordinary skill in the art. Metals, wood, thermoplastic andthermosetting polymers, resins and elastomers as may be describedhereinabove may be used. Many suitable materials are known and availableand can be selected and mixed depending on desired strength andflexibility, preferred manufacturing method and particular use, as willbe apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

Any element in a claim herein that does not explicitly state “means for”performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specificfunction, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause asspecified in 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Specifically, any use of “step of” inthe claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C.§ 112 (f).

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it willbe understood that various modifications may be made. For example,advantageous results may be achieved if the steps of the disclosedtechniques were performed in a different sequence, or if components ofthe disclosed systems were combined in a different manner, or if thecomponents were supplemented with other components. Accordingly, otherimplementations are contemplated within the scope of the followingclaims.

1. An apparatus for an artificial tree configured to cover the spaceabove a floor on which the artificial tree rests, comprising: a trunkwith first tree branches extending from the trunk to above a floor onwhich the tree rests; a base supporting the trunk and configured withapertures adapted to retain second tree branches extending from the baseand covering the space between the floor and the first branches; a lightsource configured to illuminate the first and second branches; and asupport disposed on the base; wherein the support is configured to bendat least one of the second tree branches away from the trunk.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises the firsttree branches extending substantially from the trunk to a planesubstantially parallel with and above a floor on which the tree rests,the plane and the floor defining a space between the floor and the firsttree branches.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising opticfiber optically coupling the light source to the first tree branches andsecond tree branches.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the baseincludes a tube disposed in a base top and configured to mechanicallysupport optic fiber passing through the tube in the base top.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the apertures disposed inthe base is configured to mechanically support a branch retained by thebase.
 6. (canceled)
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the baseincludes a tube disposed in a base top, the tube configured tomechanically support the trunk retained by the base top.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a color wheel.
 9. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the second branches substantially cover the spacebetween the first branches and the floor.
 10. An apparatus for anartificial tree configured to cover the space above a floor on which theartificial tree rests, comprising: a trunk including a substantiallycylindrical elongated structure having a first trunk end and a secondtrunk end disposed opposite the first trunk end along the longitudinalaxis of the trunk; first tree branches extending from a trunk sectiondefined by the first trunk end and a point between the first trunk endand the second trunk end; a base configured with apertures adapted toretain second tree branches extending from the base and covering thespace between the floor and the first branches; a first light emitterconfigured in the first branches; a second light emitter configured inthe second branches; a light source configured in the base, the lightsource optically coupled with the first and second light emitters byoptic fiber; and a support member attached to a support disposed on thebase; wherein the support member bends at least one of the second treebranches away from the trunk.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein thelight source includes an LED.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, furthercomprising a color wheel and a motor configured to rotate the colorwheel.
 13. (canceled)
 14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the baseincludes a tube disposed in a base top and configured to mechanicallysupport optic fiber passing through the tube in the base top.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 10, wherein the base includes a securing strapadapted to mechanically secure a branch or optic fiber retained by thebase.
 16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the second branchessubstantially cover the space between the first branches and the floor.17. An apparatus for an artificial tree configured to cover the spaceabove a floor on which the artificial tree rests, comprising: a trunkincluding a substantially cylindrical elongated structure having a firsttrunk end and a second trunk end disposed opposite the first trunk endalong the longitudinal axis of the trunk; first tree branches extendingfrom a trunk section defined by the first trunk end and a point betweenthe first trunk end and the second trunk end; a base configured withapertures adapted to retain second tree branches extending from the baseand covering the space between the floor and the first branches, thebase configured with a tube disposed in a base top and adapted tomechanically support optic fiber passing through the tube in the basetop, and, at least one of the apertures being adapted to mechanicallysupport a branch retained by the base; a plurality of first lightemitters configured in the first branches; a plurality of second lightemitters configured in the second branches; an LED light sourceconfigured in the base, the LED light source optically coupled with thefirst and second light emitters by optic fiber; and a strap attached tothe base; wherein the strap bends at least one of the second treebranches perpendicularly to the trunk.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17,wherein the base includes an electronic control module operably coupledwith the light source.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the baseincludes a tree stand including a tree branch securing arm.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 19, wherein the tree stand includes a reinforcingring mechanically supporting the tree branch.
 21. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the support includes a branch weight support disposed at anupper portion of the support and a support member that is attached tothe upper portion and configured to bend the at least one of the secondtree branches perpendicularly to the trunk.
 22. The apparatus of claim10, wherein the support member is a strap.